I believe that exposure to art offers my students different perspectives on history and the human experience. It increases their critical thinking skills and gives them a cultural literacy that is important for all of us, but especially for low-income and minority populations. It empowers them, allowing them into the conversation. It gives them a means of expressing themselves. And so our journey continues.

After exposing my students to more traditional art and giving them guidance in how to look at art and how to respond, it is time to loosen the strings a bit. They have proven that they are receptive and that they are ready for a deeper experience. I hoped that our next trip would do just that.

The Museum of Art and Design celebrates contemporary artists who are using materials in creative and innovative ways. It is located in a modern building in Columbus Circle. There were several reasons I chose this museum: contemporary art and design, free for Title 1 schools, and in depth experience with a limited number of pieces. Finally, the tour included a workshop where the students would have the opportunity to create their own art.

The focus for our trip was the mixed media exhibit Dead Treez by Ebony G. Patterson. According to a description on the museum’s website “Patterson explores visibility, in terms of class, gender, race and the media. Her highly adorned, almost illuminated images and objects are intended to attract and seduce the viewers, challenging them to look closer.” After storing our coats and bags and a brief introduction to the museum, we headed downstairs to view the exhibit.

First, we looked at a tableau titled Swag Swag Crew. Next, we looked at two tapestries titled Rose and Shugs. The three pieces were highly adorned and very intricate. I admit that when I first saw them I thought they might be a bit overwhelming for my students. They were unlike anything we had seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Would the students be able to make the leap? Would their exposure at The Met serve them well when viewing contemporary art?

The Artist Educator, Cody, led the students through an inquiry based discussion pushing them to look closer and make connections. During the discussion Makayla made the observation that the floral fabrics that made up the “skin” of the Swag Swag Crew could serve to make them more equal. She noted that in Jamaica, where her family is from, people focus on skin color. By having the mannequins have floral fabric in place of skin, the power inherent in skin tone is removed. The students also remarked that the flamboyant colors and jewelry were attempts at being noticed. When asked why they might want to be noticed, one student remarked that it was because they might feel invisible.

In observing one of the tapestries, one student noticed that there were bodies camouflaged in the layers of color and texture. Another pointed out that the bodies were headless. Cody asked why they thought the artist would make them headless. One student said “because they are anonymous.” She pointed out that they were disguised by the flowers, glitter, and objects around them, adding to their anonymity. Darianna suggested it was because they could represent anyone. We have been studying the Holocaust and discussing how people are marginalized– how we take away their power when we take away their names and individuality. Now the students were applying those concepts to the art. Wow!

After our tour we returned to the studio and the students were able to experiment with different materials to create art that was meaningful to them. This was by far the highlight of the trip for the students. They worked studiously to create just the right image to express themselves. Some focused on symmetry, some focused on color, others focused on texture. They began to understand how the materials and the construction work together. They began to understand that they could express complex emotions and ideas through art. Art became personal and universal.

Unfortunately, we were late arriving to the museum due to an accident on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Our time was limited and the kids complained about it. In their reflections they mentioned that we saw only a small sampling of the museum’s exhibits.
They were intrigued by the exhibition and would have liked to see more. Many said that they would return. Several students were particularly interested in creating art. Clearly exposing them to art is having an impact. Doors and minds are opening; horizons expanding.

I am always a student and my students are wonderful teachers. Sharing these experiences with them enriches us both. I am very proud of what we have accomplished and I’m excited to continue our journey. We have become a supportive, cohesive team, exploring art and creativity and its impact on us and the world around us. I look forward to our next experience.